Cyber-squatting

Research Paper # 30263

Computer and Technology > Internet
Law

Cyber-squatting

Discusses trademark and patent laws on-line.

4,129 words () | 15 sources | MLA | 2002 United States

Paper Summary:

Cyber-squatting is the practice of registering a domain name on the internet, solely with the desire to make a profit off of someone else's established name and reputation. This paper discusses the legal complications of cyber-squatting and explains the legal protection that webmasters have against cyber-squatting. The paper discusses laws such as the Lanham Act, the Federal Trademark Dilution Act, Anti-Cyber-squatting Consumer Protection Act and the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Policy. The paper reveals the loopholes which are found with the laws and the nature of the internet. Finally, the paper maps out all possible preventions and solutions that webmasters should consider once they have become a victim of cyber-squatting.

From the Paper:

"There are many forms of cybersquatting. The most popular way a cybersquatter will strike occurs when he or she buys a trademarked word to use as a domain name. The reason that the squatter does this is to motivate the mark owner to offer to purchase the domain name from him or her. An easy way to spot this is if the website is "Under Construction" for a long time (Domain Names and Trademark Law). Usually squatters of this kind will wait to have the mark owner find the domain name and complain. The squatter will then offer a solution to satisfy both their needs by selling it to them."